Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

The field of accounting is rapidly evolving due to the affordability and availability of accounting software. Gone are the days of green visors and adding machines; computers have taken the fiscal calculating out of the hands of people. With programs busy crunching the numbers, accountants are now expected to take on a variety of responsibilities that previously lay outside the scope of their job description. This change was highlighted in a recent Forbes article describing how the modern conception of an accountant has become one of a trusted business advisor who interprets finances to guide “financial planning, analysis, forecasting, internal controls and decision support.”

This evolution poses a new set of challenges for undergraduate accounting majors looking to enter the field with either a Bachelor of Science (BS), a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Accountancy (BAC). To become marketable job applicants, students must demonstrate not only a well-balanced curriculum, but also professional experience that grants an understanding of the role an accountant plays in the current business climate. Luckily for students, most accounting programs understand the skills that need to be imparted to an individual upon graduation, and they have adapted their curriculum to involve the broad spectrum of materials that should be covered. Additionally, students may want to consider a minor in a subject like history, English or political science to further differentiate themselves from other candidates.

FEATURED ONLINE PROGRAMS

• Southern New Hampshire University

The BS in accounting degree at Southern New Hampshire University offers an optional concentration in forensic accounting and fraud examination, as well as an accelerated BS-MS pathway option. Coursework explores accounting principles and practices, taxation, auditing, business law, and more.

• University of Phoenix

The ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Science in Accounting at University of Phoenix aligns with American Institution of CPAs (AICPA) and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy standards. Learn accounting software, like Intuit Quickbooks®, and business principles you can apply in your career.

• Ashford University

The online bachelor's degree in accounting from Ashford teaches students the analytical, conceptual, and technical knowledge they need to succeed in the field. Eight concentrations are offered, including international management, project management, and entrepreneurship. The program can be completed entirely online.

• Walden University

A combination of core business courses, specialization courses, and doctoral research and writing courses comprise the 60-credit curriculum of Walden University's DBA in accounting. The online program features topics in organizational leadership, quantitative business analysis, and managerial accounting.